San Antonio Spurs 2013 NBA draft pick Deshaun Thomas will be playing overseas with French team Nanterre this season as he hope to improve his game and eventually make his NBA debut.

But why Nanterre? Other teams overseas were hoping to land Thomas, so what persuaded him to pick Nanterre?

In an interview with French site Basket Actu, Thomas says he felt Nanterre was a better program for him adding that fellow Ohio State alum David Lighty put in a good word for the team.

"Nanterre had a good program for me and it is a good step before joining the NBA. Pro A is a good competition and it will be interesting to play in the Euroleague. I spoke with David (Lighty, former Ohio State player) on the championship team. He told me they took good care of him, there's a great atmosphere on the team, he had a lot of fun during the season and the city was great. It will be a good challenge for a young player like me to play the Euroleague. My goal this season is going to be to get better and win games."

Glad to read Thomas will be in good hands overseas as well as reading his focus is still to get better.

He had a solid performance with the Spurs at the Vegas Summer League showing his knack for scoring but of course, like any young pro-player, there is still room to improve.

As for San Antonio, they'll continue to keep an eye on Thomas' progress overseas and he knows it.

"With the Spurs still in contact, they told me to continue to improve myself and focus on my game."